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: Am J Surg. 2008 Oct;196(4):523-6.
Effectiveness of a noninvasive digital infrared thermal imaging system in the detection of breast cancer.
Arora N, Martins D, Ruggerio D, Tousimis E, Swistel AJ, Osborne MP, Simmons RM.
Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell, New York, NY, USA.
BACKGROUND: Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) has resurfaced in this era of modernized computer technology. Its role in the detection of breast cancer is evaluated. METHODS: In this prospective clinical trial, 92 patients for whom a breast biopsy was recommended based on prior mammogram or ultrasound underwent DITI. Three scores were generated: an overall risk score in the screening mode, a clinical score based on patient information, and a third assessment by artificial neural network.
- RESULTS: Sixty of 94 biopsies were malignant and 34 were benign. DITI identified 58 of 60 malignancies, with 97% sensitivity, 44% specificity, and 82% negative predictive value depending on the mode used. Compared to an overall risk score of 0, a score of 3 or greater was significantly more likely to be associated with malignancy (30% vs. 90%, P < .03).
- CONCLUSION: DITI is a valuable adjunct to mammography and ultrasound, especially in women with dense breast parenchyma.
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Unusual thermal patterns in the subject's left breast (image right), mid portion in the upper quadrant and also in the lower quadrant, medial to the nipple area. Similar, less intensive patterns appear to be forming in the right breast (image left). Compare this image with the symmetrical aspect of the nipple region in the image above. BRENDA6. Note the increased thermal activity in the cervical region, more left than right with hot spots located over the mid sternum area. |
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There is symmetry over the nipple area of both breasts, which are cooler (yellow and green colors). No asymmetrical hot patterns are noted in this region. Some patterns of thermal activity in the upper portion of the left breast in the axilla region. There are patterns of thermal intensity over the anterior chest, more pronounced in the clavicular areas. |
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Significant facial asymmetry. Increased temperature values over entire right side of forehead (image left). Note small focal spot of decreased temperature on upper left forehead (pattern in orange shade). Subject had suffered a stroke five years prior to this image. |
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Left lateral view of head. Subject is wearing shirt and tie, restricting view of cervical region. However, note increased thermal regions associated with paranasal areas, and in the temporal region. Significant activity along the jawline below the ear as compared to right side of face in image below. Subject complained of undiagnosed audiological problems. |
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Female subject. There is a slight increase of heat emission patterns of the left T1 through T3 region which extends down into the left shoulder. Arms are relatively symmetrical. Note central mid-line heat stripe with distinctive heat spots at mid thoracic and unusual projection in lower thoracic, upper lumbar regions towards left side. |
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Full spinal view of football player. Multiple focal heat spots throughout the trapezius and surrounding areas. Winged pattern effect at mid thoracic on both sides, more predominant on right. Subject is wearing a chain around the neck which typically should be removed (artifact). Note increased zone of thermal activity in cervical region towards right side. Asymmetrical medial elbow, relatively higher temperature value on right. |
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Asymmetrical image of the upper extremities. Adult male subject. Cool fingers appearing on both hands. Increased thermal activity on right forearm. Decreased thermal intensity is significant on left forearm. Subject was post-recovery from a boating accident where an artery was severed on the left arm. |
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Two sets of hands compared side by side. Both were adult males. Note difference in thermal activity between the two. Subject on right shows significantly less activity in right hand as opposed to left. Subject on left is fairly symmetrical except for focal hot spots in the region of the wrist on the left hand. |
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50 year old male who suffered from undiagnosed low back pain. Note thermal asymmetry of plantar surface of the feet. Increased thermal zone in the heel on the right foot (image right) as compared to the left. When taking a thermal image of the low back, it is important to also scan the plantar surface of the feet. |
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Anterior lower extremities. Subject is wearing shoes with trousers rolled up. Subject suffered from a venous disturbance, as noted by increased thermal activity and unusual patterns on the left leg. Problem was visibly apparent to the eye on the left leg, but there was no evidence on the right leg. However, the thermogram reveals similar patterns beginning to occur on the right leg. |
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